Tribeca tribute to Frank Sinatra

Festival celebrate centenary with trio of films and concert.

A digital restoration of On The Town will screen as part of celebrationsPhoto: Warner Bros

The Tribeca Film Festival has today announced a centenary celebration Sinatra at 100: Film & Music.

An evening of film and music on April 21 will form the centrepiece of the celebration. The evening will feature performances by 18-time Grammy winner Tony Bennett, Brandon Flowers (The Killers), comedian, actress and jazz musician Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black), dancer and choreographer Savion Glover, singer/songwriter Alice Smith, and bandleader and songwriter JC Hopkins and the 12-piece JC Hopkins Biggish Band.

On April 24, Some Came Running and High Society will be screened as part of the commemorative event.

Executive vie president of Tribeca Enterprises Paula Weinstein said: "Frank Sinatra's films and music have filled generations with joy and excitement. We are so proud to be able to celebrate his 100th birthday with this group of extraordinary artists led by the one and only Tony Bennett. This multi-generational tribute is a celebration of Sinatra's lasting influence of music and film."

Tony Bennett will join concert on April 21Photo: Anne-Katrin Titze

Tony Bennett added: “Frank Sinatra and I were best friends and it is an honour to participate in an event that commemorates his centennial.”

The concert will be available through 360° and traditional, linear formats. Select tracks from the concert and behind the scenes footage will be released online following the event including via a custom mobile app. Through the app, viewers will be able to take part in the concert either using a Google Cardboard VR viewer or by watching on their phone screens.

Schedule:

ON THE TOWN (Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen) - USA, 1949 Tuesday, April 21, Spring Studios, 7.30pm

New York, New York, it’s a wonderful town – especially when sailors Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin have a 24-hour shore leave to see the sights… and those sights include Ann Miller, Betty Garrett and Vera-Ellen.

Vincente Minnelli’s drama of love and loss in post-WWII America follows veteran Dave Hirsch (Sinatra) from Chicago to tiny Parkman, Indiana, where he is soon tossed between the charms of small-town life and the consequences of his time in the big city. Co-starring Dean Martin, Shirley MacLaine, and Martha Hyer.

Musician C.K. Dexter-Haven (Bing Crosby) enlists enterprising tabloid reporter Mike Connor (Sinatra) to help him win back the heart of his ex-wife (Grace Kelly) in this classic musical remake of The Philadelphia Story, featuring songs by Cole Porter and a guest appearance by the great Louis Armstrong.

Read more coverage of the festival here. Tickets go on sale today at the official site